tour- home

Finish line! It actually felt OK rolling up to our hometown, despite the cold cold rain that plagued the city this very night of our return show. Admittedly, and usually, I feel apprehensive at entering this city's gates ... or maybe that's the post tour depression that could soon come knocking?

We would like to thank Secret Project Robot, and all it's collective peeps, who really made it a warm night for us. US Girls too. We highly encourage you all to listen to her upcoming album. And Air Waves, who write some of the most sincere and genuine songs. I sing them for days after hearing. And Total Slackers for your enthusiasm. And the industrious Karen Soskin ... and the effervescent Mike Wolf. And Wolfy for this awesome poster. And maybe you too.

Talk Normal needs a nap. Back soon ... (aa)

tour - hudson

Like three wise folk of years past (the Hulk being the third), we made a stop to visit a new born babe to good friends of ours. His name is Atticus and he's quite the thinker. We predict his first novel by age 12.

tour - the music community within 'smaller' towns

Post show talking point with Jon and John of Art Damage >> the music community within 'smaller' towns. I came to the realization that bands, promoters, musicians, artists and creative folks that reside in them wait for touring bands to pass through (if it's music you like to pursue), thus building a show around these touring bands i.e Cincinnati. Meaning there is never a night with just 'local' bands working things out for their friends to bear witness and support (or at least this is the way Arts Damage rolls). Perhaps obvious to you, this blew my mind or didn't really sink in until this penultimate day of tour. Guess I'm so used to NYC shows where it's common to have all 'local' nights. Or many touring bands on a bill. Or all of the above mixed. I am awed and humbled at the perseverance of the people who live in these 'smaller' towns, who stay there even when the current scene is currently uninspired and a music community sometimes meager. Stay strong. (aa)

tour - cincinnati

Show was at the Art Damage Lodge, once the meeting place for the Cummingsville chapter of freemasons in Cincinnati. What is it about this secretive organization that spooks me? Conceptually I'm in support of their central preoccupations revolving around "charitable work within a local or wider community, moral uprightness (in most cases requiring a belief in a Supreme Being) as well as the development and maintenance of fraternal friendship." Maybe it's the use of symbols or discreet rituals or maybe the hole in the floor of an Art Damage resident ... with a hook directly above and a spacious cell below. My imagination is spinning.

The show. The prowess of C. Spencer Yeh's improv violin is notable. He is definitely one of the most focused performers I know. And a nice guy to top it off. (aa)

tour - louisville daytime ...

This bourbon came recommended from our friend Joel. By the by, the shower in his and girlfriend DJ Kim Sorise's house had two shower heads. Wow. Hands down this was the best shower experience in my adult life. Their beagle Benny growled like Zul, but only when his playemate Freddy, the other beagle, was around. Gozer lives. (aa)

tour - louisville

Ooops, forgot about the time change. Fortunately we scrambled in to Skull Alley right as Tiny Flights took the room with their space-age 'wave' rock (this is the KWUR word for edgier, or more important indie rock ... or at least that's what I interpreted). Shedding had some sweet drummage with their chill alternations on good old R & R.

Post the show the Swan Dive (awesome vegan eats) stayed open for us to get some grub.

tour - st. louis hang time ...

Visited Apop Records. They had all our friends' tapes (Cody Ranaldo, Ryan Garbes, Dark Lingo etc)! And they prefer to buy merch outright from band. Gold star for here.

Used the internets at Foam Coffee and Beer. Very warm vibes. Place was spanking new but had an old soul. Alas their steamer was broke but our friend behind the counter bought merch!

tour - st. louis

Left my 'beater' guitar (the one I throw on my drum set) in Denver. Blasted. Conventiently I found another for $20 at KWUR, signed with love from DJ Kenny Hofmeister and staff. She sings like a bird.

So the show ... who knew a vietnamese restaurant could front for a sweet show locale?! This place ruled. Once the restaurant turned over the PA and bands rolled in. Staff stuck around to serve endless soups and tea. Completely supportive of bands as well. I love smaller towns (no offense St. Louis but NYC's got a few mill on ya). And this flyer, made by the meticulous Jeremy 'Ghost Ice' (master promoter, collector & noise conjurer) ruled. (aa)

tour - dropping the boys off in iowa

Sad. We miss them. Jeff Witcher too. Their music selections & mixes were endless and tasteful. Thank goodness Witcher sent us off with one last mix tape. Still trying to figure out the artists and track names on this ... (aa).

tour - waiting in denver

Had a huge brunch with our Denver friends as Wet Hair sat and watched a mechanic fix a water hose. We could not think of a more ideal place to be stranded. Sadly we could not make it to Lawrence, home to where William S. Burroughs spent the last years of his life. Lawrence - we will be back. We read Bandit Teeth and Muscle Worship proceeded to marvel the masses. (aa)

tour - denver

And the hulk broke down in Evanston, Wyoming as the boys were coming to pick us up at the Denver airport. This van saga is a challenge. The non-fuel-efficient-motor-vehicle gods are taking their Cash-for-Clunkers disdain out on us. Fortunately we had all our gear from SY show in NYC show and were accommodated by folks at Rhinoceropolis and the kindness of Jacob from Dugoutcanoe (a journey of a sound experience. I like what goes on in Jakob's head). Shotgun the dog ate my oatmeal. A cutie with a one-track mind. (aa)

tour - NYC w/ Sonic Youth!

Wow, did that really happen? Twas a magical dream. Well worth the sleepless night before in Seattle airport. SY played a solid set too - old stuff and new. (aa)

tour - seattle

The Josephine was a good vibes and well run space not to mention the original home to the Sun City Girls. We played with Broken Water again. They came alive! I like this band. Great guitar sound tonight, and vox. Drummer Kanako asked Christina (Silver Interior master drummer) and I to bang along to a song. Fun jam, although I wished I could've heard the band a little better amidst the swelling drums on the periphery.

Shortly after we re-organized all our crap and Wet Hair shuttled us to the Seattle airport. Nice bathrooms. They made for a cozy hang at 3 in the morning. (aa)

tour - vancouver

Wow, this was a total crack nexus. Apparently the space was located in the most notorious drug block in all of Canada. So wild to see such an open display of drugs, specifically needle drugs. When is cheap rent not worth it?

Shearing Pinx was almighty. Terrorbird was breathtaking. Ask the space residents about their current art projects. You will smile or run in fear.

Finally we got our headlights fixed (the were shorting out since Portland). We did not like the price damage incurred at Midas. (aa)

tour -olympia

Cold rainy night! Being bone cold is a hard thing to shake. I want to love the pacific northwest so bad but this weather shivered my core. I was very grateful for the space heater in the back of Le Voyeur - it stayed on my feet as we played. Broken Water played to hypnotic projections of water. I could've watched for hours.

If ever in Olympia, look for Magic Kombucha! Alas, we missed our tour of the factory. (aa)

tour - portland daytime

The next day we ate at Vita, an accomadating vegan spot. I wanted to try their rice porridge but went for thai coconut soup. In a rush to get to Olympia, I dashed into the legendary Mississippi Records, home of hard to find re-issues and compilations about "feelings." I bought the new Cold Cave album but have yet to listen. (aa)

tour - portland

Backspace - think game room meets pomp coffee house. Despite the confusion of the venue and minor sound quandaries, the show was great. And the bands, each one brought something special to note even though seemingly different. STLS - drum corp style jams with well orchestrated arrangements. Very pleasant surprise. Silver Interior was a cool journey. And Little Claw brought the fury. Summoning the spirit of Iggy on vox & guitar, Kilynn is a badass. Def one of my favorite bands. (aa)

tour - sacromento

NO cops! PHEW. Fun Castle - awesome house. Check out their backyard. It's a jungle of exotic fruits plants. Jeff and Darren (ex-Raccoo-oo-oon) opened the show with drone jams. Totally warranted some space-age dancing. Re-watched St. Elmo's Fire and was stunned this didn't scar me as a child. (aa)

tour - san francisco

This was an experience where playing a more "official" venue might not have been the better route to go. Lesson learned. They did sell bags of peanuts that you could throw on the floor. Point for the Hemlock Tavern. (aa)

tour - albany bulb park

Once a landfill now a sculpture park with pleasant trails. Go during sunlight hours or bring a torch. We found ourselves racing with the sunlight to get out before things got a bit hairy in the dark. (aa)

tour- free clinic

In an attempt to take health precautions we stopped by free clinic in San Fran. Intense but eye-opening waiting room experience. Long story short, we were awed by the patron's openness, curiosity and drug sales. And a lady pulled a sausage out of her pocket. Literally. (aa)

tour - oakland

21 Grand was well run. Wheel, Erika Anderson from Gowns latest endeavor with her sister, was tasteful. Very talented family. Stayed at East Nile, sister to NYC's ParisLondonWestNile. Studio was actually quite fancy! They had a buchla (above) and a bird named Molly. (aa)

tour - montana del oro state park

Laid like a dog on the dune peaks. Time well spent. They others scaled steep sands to greet the seals by the water. Apparently San Luis has the highest mountain lion population per capita. We walked back to the van with caution. (aa)

tour - san luis obispo

TN is taking a momentary body siesta. Unfortunately we had to drop off this bill. So sorry Obispo. We watched some Freaky Friday (I like the original better!) and went to bed early. Wet Hair still played the show as well as the groovy Jeff Witcher (who is now traveling with us). They reported it was mega good vibes and a full house. (aa)

tour - LA

Big city, big traffic. Obviously expected. Synchronicity Space show was a sweet gallery with tailored fabric walls and good friends. Think this was my fav Wet Hair show, musically & acoustically.

Twas an eye-opening treat to play the mythical spot that is The Smell. Reminded me of the now extinct NYC's Tonic - nothing works, bare bones PA, minimal payment for staff but bands and general patrons rule. We stumbled in while Sun Circle had just started conjuring ambient and minimal drum drone. Put me in the zone. Sun Araw closed the night with memorable melodies over noise. Awesome. This was my favorite collected bill on tour so far.

Stopped at Inaka. Guaranteed fresh and wholesome eating. My body thanked me. (aa)

tour - sunken city

Saw Sunken City at Point Fermin Marine Park just on the outskirts San Pedro. Awesome tide pools with sea slugs and star fish. Scaled the eroding slabs of concrete. Total Blade Runner vibe with colorful graffitti. Amazed whole area hasn't fallen totally in the ocean. (aa)

tour - san diego

HELLO PACIFIC! We made it. Show was intimate and bleak. Although not necessary bleak in a bad way? Was nice to see Blessure Grave live, even though I was wishing to hear more vox. Curious kids but cautious to our music. Hmmm ... (aa)

tour - papago park

Think Tatooine meets Disney Land with big red rocks. That's us & Wet Hair. (aa)

tour - driving

Big Rock country. Drive was a dash but beautiful. (aa)

tour - tempe

OK, the hulk was not back in the game. After a long day of pulling onto shoulders, impromptu prayer circles in a pastor's parking lot and kind mechanics, we came to the conclusion the catalytic converter was the culprit. Fixed (and not to expensive at that), we raced to the Tempe. Austin band Yellow Fever got the place nice and warm. Still humming their song about cats & rats this morning. The kids were super chill and into the tunes. Glad we made it. (aa)

tour - albuquerque

Rolled up to Albuquerque and the van was feeling a little tired after the subtle inclines. Thanks to our friend Bob we now know about overdrive when descending and not running the AC when conquering hills. Knowledge is power. The hulk is back in the game. Later we ate at the popular and expansive New Mex tradition Frontier Restaurant. The lady with the tie-dyed dew rag was hooking us up with endless hot water and extra scoops of ice cream. Give her a high five if you ever make it out. (aa)

I Kind Studio's intimate crowd felt like real people. Made for a good show.

tour - driving & day off

Random musings - saw a sign at a toll booth that read "Remember the Troops," as if we forgot we're supposed to 'support' them. Made me sad. I don't want to forget the troops. Reading Herzog on Herzog. Because I know his voice so well from the movies, reading his spoken word from interviews feels all the more engaging, like I can hear him narrating in my head. His bold statements resonant with me, even when I completely disagree. Slept in Amarillo, TX. Town's an expansive strip of cheap but well-advertised hotels. Cattle ranches are abundant and the terrain is getting active. The world feels a little more open. (aa)

tour - kansas city

We found our people! Good kids here. We played last show at Fort Harrison only to get busted by the cops before wet hair got a chance to shine. To Kansas City folk - catch Wet Hair (& Talk Normal again) at the Replay Lounge in Lawrence, Kansas Nov 29. (aa)

tour - iowa city

Top ten autumn days ever! Iowa City was smiling. Went to New Pioneer Food Coop to get some food staples and life accessories. Even tiny people can shop independently! Got some good sole fish. (aa)

tour - iowa city

Picked up tour mates for the next few weeks Wet Hair. Above is shawn Wet Hair/Night People (cassette/vinyl label) at work dubbing before we set sail. Tape collection is a rainbow of underground bands across the globe presented in tidy technicolor. His single-handed art design, screen printing & general assemblage is impressive. Look for his tapes at a show near you. (aa)

tour - chicago

Found Sugarland in the stacks at Permanent Records! So cool. (aa)

tour - chicago

Chicago on a Friday night was one big ball of traffic. hustled to a live set at Nothwestern's WNUR. then hustled to the Mopery. The residents live in tents. wild! Good scene here. Felt familiar - like Baltimore meets NYC only midwest and more talkative. (aa)

tour - bloomington

Good college town. Definitely the land of liquor stores ... Big Reds on every corner. House show was intimate but friendly vibes. There was a hearth, and it was a blaze when we walked in. That's twice on one tour ... waiting for the third. (aa)

tour - columbus

onward toward columbus.  our 4th time there!  tn loves columbus.

also, my pal jen suggested this columbus treat.

already had one of the world's better burger's today in pittsburgh, so must pass.  but just in case anybody else wants to try...

in a mild luv affair, we've wanted to play with puffy areolas for a long time (no, not this normal attribute).  we *think* they will be arriving late tonight, coming to hang & jam after playing a house party.  stoked.

sunsets in western PA for the win.  

being treated to a 2nd night of sensory overload as we drive.  

ps- also always a late bloomer, i'm the oldest living person to discover rilke & be like, "oh.  i see."  

product of a sweet afternoon @ baltimore's red emma's.  more bookstores coming up.  

andrya's driving and we're listening to dark lingo's newest casette.  superior.  (sr)

tour -pittsburgh

Cold night with many local shows. DARK LINGO - yes. Good sounds, good bass lines and beats. GANGWISH - usually a solo drummer, Sam from Centipede Eest. This time he brought in a bass man & auxiliary drummer. Elaborate but tasteful drum set up. Would be curious to see him play alone. Went to a 7" night at a private after hours bar, prohibition style with secret cards and door escorts. Fribbers tried to eat the LED light. Toodles is patiently waiting its return. I was amused, and I don't like cats. thanks NICK & SANDY. (aa)

tour - philly

show cancelled. guess philly really shut out the yanks on all fronts. anyway, long series of balls being dropped. baseball metaphors end now. tonight we stare at a walls, confused and bummed. we march on. MOM - thank you for your laundry services and not asking too many questions. :) DAD you too. (aa)

tour - baltimore

we love you baltimore. THANK YOU for always making us feel welcome. ART DEPARTMENT - we like your intricate bass and guitar meanderings. WEEKENDS - huge, good energy, and guitar sound. DONALDSON, you're a doll. queen ROSE & JANA, thanks for the hearty breakfast and warm hearth. we're coming back. (aa)

tour - van

the hulk. mascot goes by ken ... he goes over well with the kids. go PHILS. BLAKE - all ok still. (aa)

tour - dc

halloween at american university. we were salt & pepa covering talk normal. big organ there. WINSTON made her sing. power tripped on mary timony's SOFT POWER. good stuff. sad. TICKLEY FEATHER is engaging with all her nuances. somebody stole a hymnal. ILIANA - big thanks. COLIN too. (aa)

tour - allston

mischief eve indeed. party was rife with smoke bombs and crazy cat ladies. notice the haze in the above shot ... and this was upstairs. HYENA - imaginative vox with a timber that cuts. we like. sarah saved BIG BEAR'S van as they excited kids in the basement. JOEL & JORDYN - your apartment is perfect and your spare bed a pit of cotton. thanks guys. (aa)

tour - providence

benefit with LIGHTNING BOLT. kids were just waiting for the tornado that is LB. intense to have them pressed up against the stage the second the venue opened. HUMAN BEAST was spectacular. wonderfully weird and lovely. thank you guys and MIKE STOLTZ for your earnest hospitality. thank you SUSAN & ELI for all your crafty phone calls. (aa)

tour - south hadley

day one. so hard getting out of nyc. made it. WHOARFROST was quick & loud. we liked, but must admit missed most of it when fetching a beverage. ANNIKA & EMMA - keep it up. and thanks. (aa)